Acetochlor; Tolerance Reassessment Decision, 15730-15731 [E6-4503]

Download as PDF 15730 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 29, 2006 / Notices with each pesticide. Due to its uses, risks, and other factors, methyl bromide is being reviewed through the full 6– Phase public participation process. All comments should be submitted using the methods in ADDRESSES, and must be received by EPA on or before the closing date. Comments and proposals will become part of the Agency Docket for methyl bromide. Comments received after the close of the comment period will be marked ‘‘late.’’ EPA is not required to consider these late comments. After considering comments received, EPA will develop and issue for comment the methyl bromide RED. the chloroacetanilide pesticide acetochlor. The Agency’s risk assessments and other related supporting documents also are available in the acetochlor docket. Through the tolerance reassessment program, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides meet current health and food safety standards. This decision is being released concurrent with the Notice of Availability of the cumulative risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide pesticides which include acetochlor and alachlor. See EPA–HQ–OPP–2006–0202 in the Notice section of this issue of the Federal Register. B. What is the Agency’s Authority for Taking this Action? Felicia Fort, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460– 0001; telephone number: (703) 305– 7478; fax number: (703) 308–8005; email address: fort.felicia@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Section 4(g)(2) of FIFRA as amended directs that, after submission of all data concerning a pesticide active ingredient, ‘‘the Administrator shall determine whether pesticides containing such active ingredient are eligible for reregistration,’’before calling in product specific data on individual end-use products and either reregistering products or taking other ‘‘appropriate regulatory action.’’ Section 408(q) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to review tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of August 2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review is to be completed by August 3, 2006. List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests. Dated: March 22, 2006. Debra Edwards, Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. E6–4568 Filed 3–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY [EPA–HQ–OPP–2005–0227; FRL–7770–6] Acetochlor; Tolerance Reassessment Decision Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA’s Report on Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision (TRED) for VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:39 Mar 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information? 1. Docket. EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket identification number (ID) [EPA–HQ– OPP–2005–0227; FRL–7770–6]. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket telephone number is (703) 305–5805. 2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document electronically through the EPA Internet PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 under the ‘‘Federal Register’’ listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/. II. Background A. What Action is the Agency Taking? EPA has assessed risks associated with use of the chloroacetanilide pesticide acetochlor, and reached a tolerance reassessment and risk management decision reassessing 12 existing tolerances or legal residue limits for acetochlor. Acetochlor, 2– chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2–ethyl-6– methylphenyl)acetamide, is a preemergence herbicide used for the control of weeds and is registered for use on field corn and popcorn. Corn fields treated with acetochlor may later be rotated to grain sorghum (milo), soybeans, wheat, and tobacco, according to the currently registered use pattern. Corn and the rotational crops listed above were considered in the risk assessment supporting the acetochlor TRED. There are no risks of concern associated with the use of acetochlor. The Agency is now issuing a Report on Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk Management Decision for acetochlor, known as a TRED, as well as related technical support documents. EPA must review tolerances and tolerance exemptions that were in effect when FQPA was enacted in August 1996, to ensure that these existing pesticide residue limits for food and feed commodities meet the safety standard established by the new law. Tolerances are considered reassessed once the safety finding has been made or a revocation occurs. EPA has reviewed and made the requisite safety finding for the acetochlor tolerances included in this notice. The acetochlor TRED presents the Agency’s tolerance reassessment conclusions for acetochlor alone; however, section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) directs the Agency also to consider available information on the cumulative risk from substances sharing a common mechanism of toxicity. Because the chloroacetanilides pesticides share a common mechanism of toxicity, due to their ability to cause nasal turbinate tumors, the Agency evaluated the cumulative risk posed by this group before making its final tolerance reassessment decision on the chloroacetanilide pesticide, acetochlor. EPA has determined that the cumulative risk associated with chloroacetanilide pesticides, which include acetochlor and alachlor, is below the Agency’s level of concern. Therefore, the 12 tolerances established for residues of E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 60 / Wednesday, March 29, 2006 / Notices hsrobinson on PROD1PC68 with NOTICES acetochlor in/on raw agricultural commodities are now considered reassessed as safe under section 408(q) of FFDCA, as amended by FQPA. EPA is applying the principles of public participation to all pesticides undergoing reregistration and tolerance reassessment. The Agency’s Pesticide Tolerance Reassessment and Reregistration; Public Participation Process, published in the Federal Register on May 14, 2004, (69 FR 26819) (FRL–7357–9) explains that in conducting these programs, EPA is tailoring its public participation process to be commensurate with the level of risk, extent of use, complexity of issues, and degree of public concern associated with each pesticide. Due to its uses, risks, and other factors, acetochlor was reviewed through the modified 4–Phase public participation process. Through this process, EPA worked extensively with stakeholders and the public to reach the regulatory decisions for acetochlor. The tolerance reassessment program is being conducted under Congressionally mandated time frames, and EPA recognizes the need both to make timely decisions and to involve the public. Few substantive comments were received during the earlier comment period for this pesticide, and all issues related to this pesticide were resolved through consultations with stakeholders. The Agency therefore is issuing the acetochlor TRED without a comment period. However, the Agency is concurrently issuing the cumulative risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide group of pesticides, which includes acetochlor and alachlor, for public comment (see EPA–HQ–OPP–2006– 0202 in the Notice section of this issue of the Federal Register). B. What is the Agency’s Authority for Taking this Action? Section 408(q) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to review tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of August 2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review is to be completed by August 3, 2006. A tolerance or exemption meets the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2), respectively, if ‘‘the Administrator determines the pesticide chemical residue is safe’’, i.e., ‘‘that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which there is reliable information.’’ 21 U.S.C. VerDate Aug<31>2005 15:39 Mar 28, 2006 Jkt 208001 §346a(b)(2)(A),(c)(2)(A). In making this safety finding, FFDCA requires the Administrator to consider, among other factors, ‘‘available information concerning the cumulative effects of such residues and other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity . . . .’’ 21 U.S.C. §346a(b)(2)(D)(v), (c)(2)(B). Section 4(g)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended, requires the Administrator to make ‘‘a determination as to the eligibility for reregistration (i) for all active ingredients subject to reregistration under this section for which tolerances or exemptions from tolerances are required under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), not later than the last date for tolerance reassessment established under section 408(q)(1)(C) of that Act (21 U.S.C. 346a(q)(1)(C))....’’ List of Subjects Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests. Dated: March 21, 2006. Debra Edwards, Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of Pesticide Programs. [FR Doc. E6–4503 Filed 3–28–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY EPA–HQ–OPP–2005–0061; FRL–7771–4] Azinphos-methyl; Order to Amend Registrations to Terminate Certain Uses Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice announces the order to amend registrations to terminate certain uses, voluntarily requested by the registrant(s) and accepted by the Agency, of end-use products containing the pesticide azinphos-methyl, pursuant to section 6(f)(1) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), as amended. This cancellation order follows an August 17, 2005, Federal Register Notice of Receipt of Requests (70 FR 48395) (FRL–7733–3) from the azinphos-methyl registrants to amend their product registrations to terminate certain uses of azinphosmethyl from their product registrations. In the August 17, 2005 Notice, EPA indicated that it would issue an order implementing the amendments to terminate uses, unless the Agency PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 15731 received substantive comments within the 60–day comment period that would merit its further review of these requests. The Agency received two comments on the notice. These comments have been reviewed and taken into consideration in the Agency’s decision to proceed with this termination order, and a response was sent to each commentor and placed in the public docket. EPA’s decision is discussed in Unit III. of this notice. Any distribution, sale, or use of the azinphos-methyl products subject to this cancellation order is permitted only in accordance with the terms of this order, including any existing stocks provisions. DATES: The cancellations are effective March 29, 2006. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Isbell, Special Review and Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460– 0001; telephone number: (703) 308– 8154; fax number: (703) 308–8041; email address: isbell.diane@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. General Information A. Does this Action Apply to Me? This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information? 1. Docket. EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket identification number (ID) EPA–HQ– OPP–2006–0061; FRL–7771–4. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically at https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Public Information and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall #2, 1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This Docket Facility is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The Docket telephone number is (703) 305–5805. E:\FR\FM\29MRN1.SGM 29MRN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 60 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15730-15731]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-4503]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0227; FRL-7770-6]


Acetochlor; Tolerance Reassessment Decision

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces the availability of EPA's Report on Food 
Quality Protection Act (FQPA) Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk 
Management Decision (TRED) for the chloroacetanilide pesticide 
acetochlor. The Agency's risk assessments and other related supporting 
documents also are available in the acetochlor docket. Through the 
tolerance reassessment program, EPA is ensuring that all pesticides 
meet current health and food safety standards. This decision is being 
released concurrent with the Notice of Availability of the cumulative 
risk assessment for the chloroacetanilide pesticides which include 
acetochlor and alachlor. See EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0202 in the Notice section 
of this issue of the Federal Register.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Felicia Fort, Special Review and 
Reregistration Division (7508C), Office of Pesticide Programs, 
Environmental Protection Agency, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., 
Washington, DC 20460-0001; telephone number: (703) 305-7478; fax 
number: (703) 308-8005; e-mail address: fort.felicia@epa.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. General Information

A. Does this Action Apply to Me?

    This action is directed to the public in general, and may be of 
interest to a wide range of stakeholders including environmental, human 
health, and agricultural advocates; the chemical industry; pesticide 
users; and members of the public interested in the sale, distribution, 
or use of pesticides. Since others also may be interested, the Agency 
has not attempted to describe all the specific entities that may be 
affected by this action. If you have any questions regarding the 
applicability of this action to a particular entity, consult the person 
listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.

B. How Can I Get Copies of this Document and Other Related Information?

    1. Docket. EPA has established a docket for this action under 
Docket identification number (ID) [EPA-HQ-OPP-2005-0227; FRL-7770-6]. 
Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically 
at https://www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the Public Information 
and Records Integrity Branch (PIRIB), Rm. 119, Crystal Mall 2, 
1801 S. Bell St., Arlington, VA. This Docket Facility is open from 8:30 
a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. The 
Docket telephone number is (703) 305-5805.
    2. Electronic access. You may access this Federal Register document 
electronically through the EPA Internet under the ``Federal Register'' 
listings at https://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/.

II. Background

A. What Action is the Agency Taking?

    EPA has assessed risks associated with use of the chloroacetanilide 
pesticide acetochlor, and reached a tolerance reassessment and risk 
management decision reassessing 12 existing tolerances or legal residue 
limits for acetochlor. Acetochlor, 2-chloro-N-(ethoxymethyl)-N-(2-
ethyl-6-methylphenyl)acetamide, is a preemergence herbicide used for 
the control of weeds and is registered for use on field corn and 
popcorn. Corn fields treated with acetochlor may later be rotated to 
grain sorghum (milo), soybeans, wheat, and tobacco, according to the 
currently registered use pattern. Corn and the rotational crops listed 
above were considered in the risk assessment supporting the acetochlor 
TRED. There are no risks of concern associated with the use of 
acetochlor. The Agency is now issuing a Report on Food Quality 
Protection Act (FQPA) Tolerance Reassessment Progress and Risk 
Management Decision for acetochlor, known as a TRED, as well as related 
technical support documents.
    EPA must review tolerances and tolerance exemptions that were in 
effect when FQPA was enacted in August 1996, to ensure that these 
existing pesticide residue limits for food and feed commodities meet 
the safety standard established by the new law. Tolerances are 
considered reassessed once the safety finding has been made or a 
revocation occurs. EPA has reviewed and made the requisite safety 
finding for the acetochlor tolerances included in this notice.
    The acetochlor TRED presents the Agency's tolerance reassessment 
conclusions for acetochlor alone; however, section 408(b)(2)(D)(v) of 
the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) directs the Agency also 
to consider available information on the cumulative risk from 
substances sharing a common mechanism of toxicity. Because the 
chloroacetanilides pesticides share a common mechanism of toxicity, due 
to their ability to cause nasal turbinate tumors, the Agency evaluated 
the cumulative risk posed by this group before making its final 
tolerance reassessment decision on the chloroacetanilide pesticide, 
acetochlor. EPA has determined that the cumulative risk associated with 
chloroacetanilide pesticides, which include acetochlor and alachlor, is 
below the Agency's level of concern. Therefore, the 12 tolerances 
established for residues of

[[Page 15731]]

acetochlor in/on raw agricultural commodities are now considered 
reassessed as safe under section 408(q) of FFDCA, as amended by FQPA.
    EPA is applying the principles of public participation to all 
pesticides undergoing reregistration and tolerance reassessment. The 
Agency's Pesticide Tolerance Reassessment and Reregistration; Public 
Participation Process, published in the Federal Register on May 14, 
2004, (69 FR 26819) (FRL-7357-9) explains that in conducting these 
programs, EPA is tailoring its public participation process to be 
commensurate with the level of risk, extent of use, complexity of 
issues, and degree of public concern associated with each pesticide. 
Due to its uses, risks, and other factors, acetochlor was reviewed 
through the modified 4-Phase public participation process. Through this 
process, EPA worked extensively with stakeholders and the public to 
reach the regulatory decisions for acetochlor.
    The tolerance reassessment program is being conducted under 
Congressionally mandated time frames, and EPA recognizes the need both 
to make timely decisions and to involve the public. Few substantive 
comments were received during the earlier comment period for this 
pesticide, and all issues related to this pesticide were resolved 
through consultations with stakeholders. The Agency therefore is 
issuing the acetochlor TRED without a comment period. However, the 
Agency is concurrently issuing the cumulative risk assessment for the 
chloroacetanilide group of pesticides, which includes acetochlor and 
alachlor, for public comment (see EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0202 in the Notice 
section of this issue of the Federal Register).

B. What is the Agency's Authority for Taking this Action?

    Section 408(q) of the FFDCA, 21 U.S.C. 346a(q), requires EPA to 
review tolerances and exemptions for pesticide residues in effect as of 
August 2, 1996, to determine whether the tolerance or exemption meets 
the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2) of FFDCA. This review 
is to be completed by August 3, 2006. A tolerance or exemption meets 
the requirements of section 408(b)(2) or (c)(2), respectively, if ``the 
Administrator determines the pesticide chemical residue is safe'', 
i.e., ``that there is a reasonable certainty that no harm will result 
from aggregate exposure to the pesticide chemical residue, including 
all anticipated dietary exposures and all other exposures for which 
there is reliable information.'' 21 U.S.C. 
Sec. 346a(b)(2)(A),(c)(2)(A). In making this safety finding, FFDCA 
requires the Administrator to consider, among other factors, 
``available information concerning the cumulative effects of such 
residues and other substances that have a common mechanism of toxicity 
. . . .'' 21 U.S.C. Sec. 346a(b)(2)(D)(v), (c)(2)(B).
    Section 4(g)(2) of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and 
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) as amended, requires the Administrator to make 
``a determination as to the eligibility for reregistration (i) for all 
active ingredients subject to reregistration under this section for 
which tolerances or exemptions from tolerances are required under the 
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.), not later 
than the last date for tolerance reassessment established under section 
408(q)(1)(C) of that Act (21 U.S.C. 346a(q)(1)(C))....''

List of Subjects

    Environmental protection, Pesticides and pests.

    Dated: March 21, 2006.
Debra Edwards,
Director, Special Review and Reregistration Division, Office of 
Pesticide Programs.
[FR Doc. E6-4503 Filed 3-28-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-S
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